The article I chose was Inner Experience and Conversion from Cult Recovery 101. In the article it speaks about how cult conversions are similar to cognitive therapy because they both change a person’s fundamental perception of the world around them as well as themselves and the people around them. “Outer generated” and “inner generated” are both terms I was introduced to, meaning the manipulation is being generated from outer influences or your own mind. Many think of cult conversions as outer generated as a result of manipulation and deceit. The author discusses how our early perceptions of ourselves in childhood have a big impact on our self image later in life. As children we are weak and vulnerable, if that vulnerability isn’t met with care and encouragement it can lead to self esteem and neurotic psychological developments. A big role in conversion is cognitive dissonance and seeking of logical consistency leading to the need to fill in the gaps within our own ideologies. The re-evaluation of one’s beliefs can stem from personal supernatural/spiritual experiences or observing how another’s have brought them prosperity. As the article continues, the steps for conversion include seeing the leader as charismatic or possessing special abilities, giving into and embracing the cult’s beliefs, punishments/rewards for loyalty, and eventually realizing inconsistency in the ideology of the cult. The need for inner peace and an explanation for the way the world works or for our own behaviors plays a large part in susceptibility to cults. If you are not able to find the answers within yourself or the world around you, seeking or finding a leader who presents the answers to you can feel like the means to an end.
